BidRide launches competitor to Uber and Lyft in Milwaukee area

A startup named BidRide has launched an app that will compete with ride-booking services like Uber and Lyft in the Milwaukee area.

BidRide seeks to offer an alternative to Uber, which has few restrictions on who can become a driver, by using licensed and regulated taxicab drivers. The app serves as a connection between riders and drivers, providing similar convenience to Uber and Lyft, but has a different pricing structure. With BidRide, riders negotiate a price directly with the driver.

The app is starting in the Milwaukee area, where the startup is based, but plans to expand to other markets by the end of 2016.

By working with the taxicab industry, BidRide could avoid some of the legal hurdles Uber has encountered that make it unavailable in some areas. The app is available through the Google Play Store for Android devices, and is still pending for Apple’s devices.

“As a female, I want to feel as safe as possible when using a ride service,” Davis said. “Whether it’s hanging out with friends, getting to work or school, riding around town for grocery shopping, doctor visits or errands, or simply getting to and from the airport, BidRide will offer more safety and greater security by using already existing licensed and vetted taxicab drivers in every city across the country including Milwaukee.”